Best Letter in 2010

Great example of asking for Justice, Human Rights in a peaceful but eloquent letter..

Subject: The Seven Baha'is imprisoned in Iran......

From the BAHA'I INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY; United Nations Office

To Ayatollah Mohammad Sadeq Larijani, Head of the Judiciary, Islamic Republic of Iran

Date 7 December 2010

" .............The lives of these seven Baha'is typify not only the lives of the Baha'is of Iran but also those of high-minded and noble-hearted Iranians of every creed and class. They are true citizens of that nation who have striven to dedicate themselves to its service.......

Convinced that they had committed no wrong, and as there existed no proof whatsoever to support the accusations leveled against them, they had every hope that the judicial proceedings would exonerate them. Sadly, however, their hopes have thus far been frustrated, and the treatment they have received has unjustly violated every legal norm and every standard of fairness and equity.

As history bears witness, whenever innocent citizens are brought before show trials, it is the judicial system itself and those who wield authority within it that are on trial before the public gaze. The case of these seven individuals, which from the outset has been watched with growing interest by Iranians and non-Iranians alike, has been marked by such egregious violations

of the law at every turn as to call into question the adherence to the principle of justice by a system that claims to uphold Islamic values.

The blatant injustice of a sentence to ten years' imprisonment handed down to such honest and law-abiding citizens impels us, as the representatives at the United Nations of one hundred and eighty-six national Baha'i communities, to ask you to rectify this grave failure and accord the defendants the justice they have been denied. This request comes not only from their coreligionists throughout the world but from the United Nations, from governments and parliamentarians across the globe, from agencies of civil society, and from humanitarians and social thinkers, all of whom join their voices to ours in calling for the immediate release of these wronged individuals...........

There is not a shred of evidence to support the accusation that these Baha'is were seeking to compromise national security, participating in subversive activities, or engaging in propaganda against the regime, charges which the defendants themselves have categorically denied. Such accusations are entirely inconsistent with the outstanding record of the Baha'is in Iran and around the world, who regard service to one's homeland and to humankind as an inescapable moral obligation.

Nor do they accord in any way with the Baha'i

teachings, which assert that "in every country where any of this people reside,

they must behave towards the government of that country with loyalty, honesty,

and truthfulness."

......

The Baha'is are not "others" in your country: they are an inseparable

part of the Iranian nation. The injustices meted out to them are a reflection

of the terrible oppression that has engulfed the nation. Your respect now for

the rights of the Iranian Baha'is would signal a willingness to respect the

rights of all the citizens of your country. Redressing the wrongs suffered by

the Baha'is would bring hope to the hearts of all Iranians that you are ready

to ensure justice for everyone. Our call, then, is in reality a call for

respect of the rights of all the Iranian people.

With our hearts filled with love for Iran and our earnest hopes for the

exaltation and glory of that land, we urge you, in your capacity as the Head of

the Judiciary, to release the former members of the Yaran from prison and,

along with them, all the Baha'is who are incarcerated across the country.....

.

We likewise request that the Baha'is in that country be granted their full

rights of citizenship, in order that they may be able to fulfill their

heartfelt aspiration to contribute, alongside their fellow citizens, to the

advancement of their nation. This, indeed, is no more than what you rightfully

ask for Muslim minorities who reside in other lands. Baha'is merely seek the

same treatment from you.

Respectfully,

Baha'i International Community

The Fourth Faith? Why we need a new Faith?

This was the title of an article published in Egypt Today Magazine September 2006.

http://egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6918

We tried to find answer to the following question;

what is the purpose of religion?

Baha'u'llah explained, is because religion must fulfill two distinct needs: The first is to guide individuals towards happiness and spiritual contentment, and the second is to provide communities with guidance and laws to enable a healthy, functioning society to thrive and develop:

" God's purpose in sending His Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and tranquility of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 79)

Our comments to follow shortly.......

Michael Totten » Iran’s Other War

Very good article, please read and comment.....

http://pajamasmedia.com/michaeltotten/2010/12/09/iran%E2%80%99s-other-war/

العدل هو المطلب الأساسى لكل بهائى مصرى

العدل هو المطلب الأساسى لكل بهائى مصرى , هل الطلب صعب التحقيق فى مصر؟

مقالة جميله للأستاد محمود عرفات ............المواطنة هى الحل

على موقع الازمة كتب الاستاذ محمود عرفات مقالة من جزئين تم نشر الجزء الثانى 14-11-2010

أضحكتني مؤسسة الأزهر والله.. أنا أدرك أنها مؤسسة لا تمثل دومًا الوسطية كما نتخيل، بل هي مؤسسة التجديد والتطوير والاجتهاد ببعض علمائها، وفي نفس الوقت مؤسسة النقل والجمود ونفاق السائد بعلماء آخرين ونظرة واحدة إلى تاريخ الأزهر المعادي لمحمد عبده وطه حسين وعلي عبد الرازق وكل من فكر فقط مجرد تفكير في أي شيء يخالف السائد، أما أن تصدر فتوى وتصير مبرر الوضع المضحك هذا فهي النكتة بحق، إذ أن الفتوى كانت تقول بأن كل من ينضم للبهائية من المسلمين مرتد، والمسألة تبدو منطقية فهي ديانة تعاكس الإسلام، لكن الآن وجدنا من يفسرها كالآتي: لو أبوك وجدك وجد جدك بهائيون فأنت مسلم مرتد؟؟

ببساطة تم تفسيرها على أن من يؤمن بها ولو من أسرة بهائية فهو مرتد.. وبالطبع سار قطيع الكارهين لكل شيء وراء هذا بكل حماس وكعادته صمت الأزهر بعد تردُّد فهو يدرك مضمون فتواه التي تتناول المسلم الذي يرتد بإيمانه بالبهائية ولا تشمل صاحب الأصل البهائي (وهذا لا يحتاج شرحًا لمن له عقل ويستطيع التفكير)، وحاول البعض الضحك علينا بالقول إنهم مرتدُّون لقوله بإيمانهم بالإسلام كذلك فهم مسلمون ثم إيمانهم بالبهائية (الإيمان البهائي يشمل الاعتراف بالإسلام دينًا سابقًا للبهائية)، وبالتالي فهم مسلمون يؤمنون بالبهائية والرد بسيط:

المسلم هو من يؤمن بالإسلام كآخر الديانات ومحمد صلى الله عليه وسلم آخر الرسل وهم لم ولن يؤمنوا بهذا أبدًا حتى في مفهومهم للإسلام، وبالتالي فهم لم يكونوا أصلاً مسلمين، وكما ذكرت تقاعس الأزهر عن التدخُّل وراح بعدها يتدخل لكن بالاتجاه المعاكس. ببساطه راح يؤكد معنى لم تتضمَّنه الفتوى ورؤية لا يحملها الأزهر وراح يحرِّض على قتل المصريين البهائيين بكل بساطة لأنهم بهائيون. فقط لهذا السبب الأخطر أنه راح يروِّج لفكرة تحالفهم مع اليهود وصهيونيتهم، أي يسب ويقذف كل مصري بهائي بصورة تكفل لكل بهائي في العالم حق رفع دعوى سب وقذف ضد الأزهر، وسرعان ما باتت سبوبة الأزهر تحريضًا علنيًّا على قتل البهائيين نظرًا إلى فراغ الساحة مع استيلاء المتأسلمين على الفكر الشعبي ومصادرة العقل وانبطاح المثقفين وموت الأحزاب أو مشاركته للأزهر في احتفالية قتل البهائيين.

*تخيلوا معي الآتي: أوروبا وأميركا المسيحيتين تعجبان بالتدين الشديد لدينا ببركة الأزهر وفتواه وتقرِّران تقليدنا فتتجهان لشعوبهما قائلتين:

أيتها الشعوب المسيحية هناك دين يسمى الإسلام أفتى بابا الفاتيكان لكم أنه دين يحرِّف تعاليم مستقرة بالكتاب المقدس (نفس الرأي من الإسلام للبهائية) ويغيرون طبيعة المسيح الإلهية ويقولون إن المسيحية ليست آخر الديانات (نفس القول من الإسلام للبهائية)، كما تجرَّأ هؤلاء المسلمون وارتدوا عن المسيحية فهم يقولون بإيمانهم بها كإيمانهم بالإسلام وبالتالي فهم مرتدون، ولكننا يجب أن نكون رحماء فلا نمنع عنهم الحق في الحياة كما يطالب بعض رجال الدين المسيحي عندنا بقتلهم (أغلب الأزهريين يطالبون بقتل البهائيين) أو كما يرى مثقفونا كذلك بقتلهم (جمال عبد الرحيم نموذجًا لطلب قتل البهائيين) أو رؤية البعض بسجن المسلمين (يوسف البدري يرى الاكتفاء بسجنهم). نحن سنتعامل مع المسلمين بإغلاق مساجدهم ومنعهم من شعائرهم فقط (حكم الدستورية 1975 بتأييد غلق المحافل البهائية والاستيلاء على أموالها) وهكذا لا نعارض حرية الدين فنحن لم نؤذِ أحدًا، بل فقط منعنا شعائر تؤذي النظام العام المسيحي!

لو حدث هذا سنعتبرها حربًا مقدسة ونسب الذين يشعرون بالغيرة من تفوقنا العظيم جدًّا عليهم مما أعجزهم فضيَّقوا علينا ديننا، الله أكبر فلنقتلهم جميعًا هؤلاء الكفرة… ما رأيكم؟.. هل نطلب تعميم التجربة؟

*مستقبلاً سيتم تعميم تلك النظرية على كل أصحاب الديانات الأخرى (نظرية التعامل مع البهائيين) وعلى رأسها المسيحية، ولنا في إرهاب السبعينات والثمانينات والتسعينات نموذج، فهو كان موجهًا ضد الكنائس ومتاجر المصريين المسيحيين بلا سبب إلا كفرهم وحِلة أموالهم وليس ضد البهائيين، بالطبع سيقول قارئ: كلا الأمر مختلف فأرد: والله لا يختلف أبدًا، فالمتطرِّف يقتات من تطرفه ويحيا به وليس له من دونه مصدر حياة ولا يمكن أن يحكمنا فكر أو فرد أو مجموعة متطرفة دون أن تفرز الأسوأ والأكثر تشددًا وطبيعة النظم التي تتالت باسم الإسلام حكمًا وإدارةً تشي بهذه الحقيقة سواء في أفغانستان أو إيران أو السودان.

ختامًا:

نحن مصريون مدنيون في دولة مدنية لنا جميعًا حق المواطنة، لا تنازل عنه ولا ردَّة عن مبادئنا.

إن الأخطار لا تأتي أبدًا بتخطيط من الخارج دون ظروف مهيِّئة من الداخل.

لا صراع بين الدين والوطن، بل تكامل بين المادة والروح.

للوطن حقوق وللدين رأي كلاهما متكامل فقط إن أبصرت القلوب.

المواطنة هي الحل.

المدوَّناتِ البهائيةِ

استمرَّت معركةُ البهائيينَ حتى لحظةِ كتابةِ هذهِ السطورِ ، ومازالت مستمرةً ، الحكومةُ تُصدِرُ حكمًا بمنحهم أوراقًا شخصيةً ،" الداخليةُ تطعنُ ، يتمُّ إبطالُ الحُكمِ ، ثمَّ العودة ثانيةً إلى مرحلةِ الصِّفر.

حتى رضخت الداخلية أخيرا لحكم القضاء وتم البدء ف تدوين (-) في خانة الديانة للبهائيين."

الشبكة العربية لمعلومات حقوق الإنسان

Prisoners in Iran

"Here’s an experiment for the reader: on a concrete driveway or parking lot, mark off an area of 3-by-4 meters (9 feet 10 inches by 13 feet) and/or 2-by-3 meters (6 feet 6 inches by 9 feet 10 inches). Cover, if you want, with a thin indoor/outdoor carpet. Now place yourself and four friends in the larger rectangle, and two people in the smaller one. You have no bedding, beds or pillows, just two thin blankets each. Now, stay in your space for two years. Toilet facilities are down a hall, when your guards permit you to use them.

Yes, guards. You are now representing the five men and two women who had served as an informal group attending to the spiritual and social needs of the several hundred thousand members of the Baha’i Faith in Iran. Last Friday, May 14, began their third year in Evin Prison in Teheran.........................................Please, pray for justice for these prisoners of conscience and victims of prejudice"

http://www.democratherald.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_fdee40d8-6509-11df-b95f-001cc4c002e0.html

Irish President makes historic visit to Baha'i Centre

DUBLIN, IRELAND, 28 May (BWNS) -The President of the Republic of Ireland, Mary McAleese, has praised the universality of the Baha'i teachings and the contribution its members make to the life of their nation.

"You are marked out as people with values that are worth observing, worth learning from, worth looking at, worth imitating and so never be in any doubt of the value you are every single day in this world," President McAleese told a gathering of some 60 Baha'is during her first ever visit to the National Baha'i Centre in the Irish capital.

"Something you probably do not know, and I am sure it is true of many of you, is that in and through your lives, you are extraordinary ambassadors for your Faith," she said in impromptu remarks.

President McAleese, first elected as Ireland's President in 1997, made her special visit to the Baha'i Centre on 30 April to mark the Festival of Ridvan, the anniversary of Baha'u'llah's declaration in 1863 that He is the most recent in a line of divine Messengers that includes Buddha, Jesus, Krishna, Mohammed, Moses, Zoroaster, and others.

To the Friends In Iran

“The heroic steadfastness of the friends in Iran in the face of such relentless persecution inspires their fellow believers around the globe to redouble their efforts to serve humanity and contribute to its material and spiritual progress.” May 2010 - Universal House Of Justice

Alternatives to consumer culture is the focus of new Baha'i documetnt

"A new statement challenging the common assumption that human beings are slaves to self-interest and consumerism has been issued by the Baha'i International Community.

A more profound look at human nature would reveal the ability to respond to a higher calling, suggests the document – issued this week for the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development as it began its annual two-week session.

"The culture of consumerism ... has tended to reduce human beings to competitive, insatiable consumers of goods and to objects of manipulation by the market," it says.

In fact, "the human experience is essentially spiritual in nature: it is rooted in the inner reality – or what some call the 'soul' – that we all share in common," it states.

The document, titled "Rethinking Prosperity: Forging Alternatives to a Culture of Consumerism," challenges the view that there is an intractable conflict between what people want – which supposedly is to consume more – and what humanity needs.

The statement can be read at http://bic.org/statements-and-reports/bic-statements/10-0503.htm.

What we do in difficult time?

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands

in moments of comfort and convenience, but where

he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Conquering any difficulty always gives one a secret
joy, for it means pushing back a boundary-line
and adding to one's liberty.
-- Henri Frederic Amiel

Perseverance is not a long race:
it is many short races, one after another.
-- Walter Elliot

Studies have shown that there are characteristics that positively influence resilience:

· Optimism: staying positive prevents needless worrying or negativity

· Engagement: getting involved with life prevents passivity and promotes a “take-charge” attitude

· Mobility: staying active helps control feelings of stress

· Adaptability: being flexible and adapting to change maintains a feeling of balance and calm

من روائع جبران خليل جبران

البعض نحبهم
لكن لا نقترب منهم ........ فهم في البعد أحلى
وهم في البعد أرقى .... وهم في البعد أغلى

والبعض نحبهم
ونسعى كي نقترب منهم
ونتقاسم تفاصيل الحياة معهم
ويؤلمنا الابتعاد عنهم
ويصعب علينا تصور الحياة حين تخلو منهم.

والبعض نحبهم
ونتمنى أن نعيش حكاية جميله معهم
ونفتعل الصدف لكي نلتقي بهم
ونختلق الأسباب كي نراهم
ونعيش في الخيال أكثر من الواقع معهم

والبعض نحبهم
لكن بيننا وبين أنفسنا فقط
فنصمت برغم الم الصمت
فلا نجاهر بحبهم حتى لهم لان العوائق كثيرة
والعواقب مخيفه ومن الأفضل لنا ولهم أن تبقى
الأبواب بيننا وبينهم مغلقه...

والبعض نحبهم
فنملأ الأرض بحبهم ونحدث الدنيا عنهم
ونثرثر بهم في كل الأوقات
ونحتاج إلى وجودهم ......كالماء ..والهواء
ونختنق في غيابهم أو الابتعاد عنهم

والبعض نحبهم
لأننا لا نجد سواهم
وحاجتنا إلى الحب تدفعنا نحوهم
فالأيام تمضي
والعمر ينقضي
والزمن لا يقف
ويرعبنا بأن نبقى بلا رفيق

والبعض نحبهم
لان مثلهم لا يستحق سوى الحب
ولا نملك أمامهم سوى أن نحب
فنتعلم منهم أشياء جميله
ونرمم معهم أشياء كثيرة
ونعيد طلاء الحياة من جديد
ونسعى صادقين كي نمنحهم بعض السعادة

والبعض نحبهم
لكننا لا نجد صدى لهذا الحب في
قلوبهــم
فننهار و ننكسر
و نتخبط في حكايات فاشلة
فلا نكرههم
ولا ننساهم
ولا نحب سواهم
ونعود نبكيهم بعد كل محاوله فاشلة

.. والبعض نحبهم ..

.. ويبقى فقط أن يحبوننا..
.. مثلما نحبهم

جبران خليل جبران

Iceland's disruptive volcano

The volcanoe pictures are in this link:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/04/icelands_disruptive_volcano.html

لابد من الاعتراف بالديانة البهائية كإحدى الديانات في مصر

أكد الدكتور محمد البرادعي، المدير السابق للوكالة الدولية للطاقة الذرية، والذي أعلن نفسه مرشحًا للرئاسة في مصر، خلال لقائه بوفد المنظمات الحقوقية والمثقفين والكتاب فى مصر، أنه لابد من الاعتراف بالديانة البهائية كإحدى الديانات الرسمية في مصر، وذلك في إطار منظومة الحريات الدينية

Please read readers comments; especially no 20 and 25

April is Earth Month!

Earth Hour is Today Mar 27th

On March 27 at 8:30 pm, hundreds of millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for an hour to demand action on climate change. But that's just the beginning. Every hour, People are taking small steps to lessen their impact on the environment. From hanging your clothes to dry to taking transit to work, those small steps add up to huge changes for the better. Get inspired by others who are living Earth Hour every hour, and tell us your story.

We turned off all house lights and spent the evening sitting around candles making plans and commitment to save the earth......kids will walk to school, sleep early and walk up early, buy from local farm, drive once a week for shopping....etc

The Feminist Movement in Iran - By Tahira

" The feminist movement spread to other parts of the Middle East. Iran was certainly not left out. In the 19th century, Tahira, popularly known as Qurratul-Ayn, which means coolness or consolation of the eyes, or Zarrin Taj, which signifies Golden Crown, became one of the leaders of the Babi religious movement in Iran which was started by Muhammad Ali - Bab in the mid-nineteenth century.

She was born in 1820 and after being imprisoned, was put to death in August 1852 when she was thirty two years old. She was the first Iranian woman to throw off the veil and put on European dress and addressed large gatherings of men in public meetings. Western writers have praised her a great deal, although in Iran she is considered to be a devilish woman who corrupted the morals of Iranian women and confused their religious beliefs by preaching the Bahai faith. Also Martha L. Root in her book, Tahira, the Pure, Iran's Greatest Woman, says about her.

"Viewed in this light, one can understand her chaste spirit, her matchless courage, not only in the danger to her life but in her being the first woman in the Eastern Muslim World to dare to lay aside the veil even in brief movement, and in being courageous enough to go to the Badasht conference to consult with the group of men followers of the Bab.

The feminist movement in Iran, therefore started with the Bahai movement. The principles enunciated by the Bab were and are favourable to women. Later on, Sadigeh Katnum Daulatabade and Khanum azamodeh, whose names are closely associated with female education in Iran, became the pioneers in this field. The work of these two enthusiastic women was welcomed everywhere in the country and education of girls became a common phenomenon.......

Arts, Crafts and Sciences

"Arts, Crafts and Sciences

uplift the world of being,

and are conducive to

its exaltation"

Baha'u'llah

All Tibet

"Bahai's and Freedom of Religion in Egypt" ...went to Tibet:

http://all-tibet.com/tv-debates-on-bahais-and-freedom-of-religion-in-egypt/

Happy New Year Mar 21.... كل عام وأنتم بخير ونيروز سعيد

Here is a message of greetings for Naw-Ruz from the Mayor of a city in Ireland:

"....The Bahá'í community locally are a good example to many of us how to live

our lives and I would encourage members to continue with the good work you
are doing to promote family life and strong moral values. I fully support
the work, you do to promote good relations, a better environment for us all
and cultural diversity and hope that your positive outlook and commitment to
a better future for all of us will continue.

I would like to extend my heartfelt best wishes to the entire Bahá'ís faith
in Derry and the North West at this important occasion and wish you all a
very peaceful and happy Naw-Ruz."

What is spirituality?

What is spirituality? http://www.soulpancake.com/post/769/what-is-spirituality.html

لا تضيع وقتك الثمين في الثرثرة

في اليونان القديمة (399-469 ق.م)اشتهر سقراط بحكمته البالغة

في أحد الأيام صادف الفيلسوف العظيم أحد معارفه الذي جرى له وقال له بتلهف:"سقراط،أتعلم ما سمعت عن أحد طلابك؟"

"انتظر لحظة" رد عليه سقراط"قبل أن تخبرني أود منك أن تجتاز امتحان صغير يدعى امتحان الفلتر الثلاثي"

"هذا صحيح" تابع سقراط:"قبل أن تخبرني عن طالبي لنأخذ لحظة لنفلتر ما كنت ستقوله. الفلتر الأول هو الصدق،هل أنت متأكد أن ما ستخبرني به صحيح؟"
"لا" رد الرجل،"في الواقع لقد سمعت الخبر و..."
"حسنا"قال سقراط،"إذا أنت لست أكيد أن ما ستخبرني صحيح أو خطأ. لنجرب الفلتر الثاني، فلتر الطيبة.هل ما ستخبرني به عن طالبي شيء طيب؟"
"لا،على العكس..."
"حسنا"تابع سقراط"إذا ستخبرني شيء سيء عن طالبي على الرغم من أنك غير متأكد من أنه صحيح؟"
بدأ الرجل بالشعور بالإحراج. تابع سقراط:"ما زال بإمكانك أن تنجح بالإمتحان،فهناك فلتر ثالث - فلتر الفائدة. هل ما ستخبرني به عن طالبي سيفيدني؟"
"في الواقع لا."
"إذا" تابع سقراط" إذا كنت ستخبرني بشيء ليس بصحيح ولا بطيب ولا ذي فائدة أو قيمة، لماذا تخبرني به من الأصل؟"

Beautiful Poem for the Fast

The Fast

O My loving companions on the path
Think ye that the fast is a burden?
Even should you waste into nothingness,
This would be a joy beyond compare.
For those that enjoy this mystic meal,
The True Fast begins at sunset.

If it be that thy stomach groans
And thy tongue is a desert,
Eat and drink thoughts of thy Beloved
Whose sweet fresh water cleanses
And heavenly food strengthens.

And as thy body empties itself, so too
Empty the cup of the heart of self and passion.
And in thy growing weakness
Feel thy humility before God and thy fellows.
And as the dreary hours pass along,
Think of what store of patience
Ye may gather for the coming year.

And as thy body begins to lighten,
Let thy soul float like a kite
In the breezes of the spirit
Though still attached to the form
Which is fulfilling its daily duties.

And when you desire something,
Think of the One Desired,
Who has created all of what thou hast ever desired.
And as your hunger grows,
Think of those less fortunate souls
Who cannot replenish their flesh
During the sleeping of the sun.

And when you break bread,
Think of thy fellow Baha'is all around the world
In unity with your actions.

Stephen Newbegin,
first published in the California Regional Newsletter,
June 1975

Baha'i prayer for the Fast

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8063556464628695012#

Baha'i prayer for the fast - produced 3 years ago by Baha'is from Shiraz

Baha'is Fast from Mar 2nd till Mar 20th

Fasting and obligatory prayer are as two wings to man's life. Blessed be the one who soareth with their aid in the heaven of the love of God, the Lord of all worlds. [Baha'u'llah]

Fasting is the cause of the elevation of one's spiritual station.[Abdu'l-Baha]

The fasting period, which lasts nineteen days starting as a rule from the second of March every year and ending on the twentieth of the same month, involves complete abstention from food and drink from sunrise till sunset. It is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires. [Letter of behalf of Shoghi Effendi]

Culture of Human Rights

YouTube on our Human Rights........very nice work

It is not acceptable to force someone to belong to any religion or group....

We have the right to follow any religion or believes...

All Human Are Created Equal......you = me = everyone

توصيات مجلس حقوق الإنسان بالأمم المتحدة بشأن مصر

The United Nations Human Rights Council has issued a large number of recommendations for Egypt, most of which the Egyptian government has accepted. According to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, the recommendations that the government has deferred for later consideration include recommendations to reduce the delays in issuing ID cards to Bahais, to end discrimination against non-Muslims in the freedom of religious practice, the abolition of prison sentences for internet users, to ensure the right of victims of human rights violations to file complaints.....

http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/news/egypt-accepts-major-human-rights-recommendations

عقب اعتماد توصيات مجلس حقوق الإنسان بالأمم المتحدة بشأن مصر، أعربت المبادرة المصرية للحقوق الشخصية عن ترحيبها بقبول الحكومة المصرية لأغلب التوصيات، بما فيها تلك المتعلقة بأسوأ انتهاكات حقوق الإنسان التي ترتكبها الحكومة. وأعربت المبادرة المصرية عن أسفها لأن الحكومة رفضت بعض التوصيات التي لا تقل أهمية، إما بشكل مباشر أو بدعوى أنها تستند إلى "معلومات غير صحيحة".

ومن بين إجمالي التوصيات التي بلغ عددها 165 توصية قبلت الحكومة 119 توصية (من بينها العديد من التوصيات المتكررة أو المتشابهة)، ورفضت 21 توصية، من بينها سبع توصيات اعتبرتها الحكومة مستندة إلى معلومات غير صحيحة، بينما أجلت الحكومة موقفها من 25 توصية حتى جلسة مجلس حقوق الإنسان في شهر يونيو 2010.

Baha'i Education in Australia

Baha'i Education in State Schools in Australia:

"The Australian Baha'i community provides Baha’i education classes in many public primary schools under the “Special Religious Education” or “Scripture” program. Students from all religious backgrounds are welcome to attend (with their parents’ permission) and many currently do.

The classes assist children to develop their spiritual nature, complementing the material and physical education provided by schools. Based on the teachings of Baha'u'llah, the classes emphasise the development of spiritual attributes or virtues and attempt to foster in students the knowledge, skills, understandings and values required to be world citizens. Students are encouraged to embrace the oneness of humankind in all its diversity.

Purpose of Religion....Fellowship and Love

"Religion should be the means of good fellowship and love.

It must upraise the standard of harmony and solidarity.

If religion is conducive to hatred and enmity,

its existence is harmful to the welfare of the community.

(Abdu'l-Baha)

فأجبته بأني أعبد ربي بكل الأديان السماوية

بقلم الشاعرة الليبية ردينة الفيلا انتزع مني بطاقتي الشخصية ليتأكد أني عربية وبدأ يفتش حقيبتي وكأني أحمل قنبلة ذرية وقف يتأملني بصمت ... سمراء وملامحي ثورية فتعجبت لمطلبه وسؤاله عن الهوية كيف لم يعرف من عيوني أني عربيه أم أنه فضل أن أكون أعجمية لأدخل بلاده دون إبراز الهوية

وطال انتظاري وكأني لست في بلاد عربية

أخبرته أن عروبتي لا تحتاج لبطاقة شخصية

فلم انتظر على هذه الحدود الوهمية؟

وتذكرت مديح جدي لأيام الجاهلية

عندما كان العربي يجوب المدن العربية

لا يحمل معه سوى زاده ولغته العربية

وبدأ يسألني عن أسمي ... جنسيتي

وسر زيارتي الفجائية

فأجبته أن اسمي وحدة

جنسيتي عربية ... سر زيارتي تاريخية

سألني عن مهنتي وإن كان لي سوابق جنائية

فأجبته أني إنسانة عادية

لكني كنت شاهدا على اغتيال القومية

سأل عن يوم ميلادي وفي أي سنة هجرية

فأجبته أني ولدت يوم ولدت البشرية

سألني إن كنت أحمل أي أمراض وبائية

فأجبته أني أصبت بذبحة صدرية

عندما سألني ابني عن معنى الوحدة العربية

فسألني أي ديانة أتبع الإسلام أم المسيحية

فأجبته بأني أعبد ربي بكل الأديان السماوية

فأعاد لي أوراقي حقيبتي وبطاقتي الشخصية

وقال عودي من حيث أتيت

فبلادي لا تستقبل الحرية

--------------------------------

Science and Religion together

"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." -Albert Einstein

"If any religion rejected Science and knowledge, that religion was false. Science and Religion should go forward together; indeed, they should be like two fingers of one hand. (Abdu'l-Baha)

مبادئ الدين البهائي

Earth - our Home

The 90 minute video, Home is a powerful narrative of life on Earth and the impact of humans on Earth’s life systems. It begs the question – what are we to do given this information? It’s worth a watch and a discussion.

In 27 October 2009, The Baha'i International Community announced that it has become a partner in a United Nations-sponsored program to promote "generational change" to address climate change and environmental sustainability.

"One of the long-term goals of the Baha'i Faith is to promote the positive transformation of individuals and communities, and to this end we already sponsor thousands of study circles, children's classes, devotional gatherings, and youth groups in more than 180 countries."

"These activities include the systematic study of the Baha'i writings in small groups in order to build capacity for service; devotional gatherings aimed at connecting the hearts of participants with the Creator; neighborhood children's classes that offer lessons aimed at laying the foundations of a noble and upright character; and groups that strive to assist young teens to navigate a crucial stage of their lives and become empowered to direct their energies toward the advancement of civilization." The Baha'i International Community

Question to our readers?

Having a belief system is not so difficult, said 25-year-old Honduras student. The challenging part is building your life around your beliefs. How you built your life around your beliefs?

أفراد الأقلية الدينية البهائية في إيران يواجهون "محاكمة استعراضية"

حثت منظمة العفو الدولية السلطات الإيرانية على على إطلاق سراح سبعة من أعضاء الأقلية الدينية البهائية، الذين يبدو أنهم يواجهون "محاكمة استعراضية" في طهران على مجموعة من التهم الزائفة.

ويمكن أن يواجه الأشخاص السبعة، وهم خمسة رجال وامرأتان، الذين قُبض عليهم قبل حوالي سنتين، عقوبة الإعدام في حالة إدانتهم بارتكاب جرائم منها "التجسس لصالح إسرائيل" و"إهانة المقدسات الدينية" و"الدعاية المعادية للنظام".

وقالت حسيبة حاج صحراوي، نائبة مدير برنامج الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا في منظمة العفو الدولية، "إن الأشخاص السبعة هم سجناء رأي احتُجزوا لا لشيء إلا بسبب معتقداتهم أو أنشطتهم السلمية دفاعاً عن الطائفة البهائية المضطهدة، ويجب أن يُطلق سراحهم فوراً وبلا قيد أو شرط."

http://www.amnesty.org/ar/news-and-updates/iran-religious-minority-members-facing-039show-trial039-20100113

مع الحق الوطنى للمصريين البهائيين

Our eyes filled with tears and joy when we read the following article by Egyptian Muslim who is defending Baha'i rights to live as a normal citizen in his/her own country. http://www.mideastyouth.com/ar/?p=1332&cpage=1#comment-833

The Best Way for Mothers to Worship God

"O ye loving mothers, know ye that in God's sight, the best of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children and train them in all the perfections of mankind; and no nobler deed than this can be imagined." (‘Abdu’l-Baha)

Oh Haiti

"The Republic of Haiti, with a population of nearly 9 million people, is located on the western part of the island of Hispaniola, sharing a 224 mile border with the Dominican Republic. The terrain includes rugged mountains, rain forests, palm tree lined beaches, and small coastal plains and river valleys. There are several islands, including the famous island of Tortugas (Ile de la Torture) located off the coast of northern Haiti." (hope for Haiti)

PORT-AU-PRINCE (January 16, 2010) - CARE warned Saturday that pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and young children are at greatest risk in the wake of an earthquake that has devastated the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince and left nearly three million people in need of assistance. There are an estimated 37,000 pregnant women among the affected population in urgent need of safe drinking water, food and medical care. Half of Haiti's population is younger than 18 years old.

Hospitals and medical centers have been destroyed, and remaining centers are overwhelmed treating people injured from the quake. With limited or no access to health facilities, pregnant women are at an even greater risk of complications and death related to pregnancy and childbirth. Haiti already has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the region: 670 deaths per 100,000 live births.

We believe as Baha'is that all crises are meant to unify the Human race....

"The crisis that exists in the world is not confined to the farmers. Its effects have reached every means of livelihood. The farmers are in a sense better off because they at least have food to eat. But on the whole the crisis is serving a great purpose. It is broadening the outlook of man, teaching him to think internationally, forcing him to take into consideration the welfare of his neighbours if he wishes to improve his own condition. In short it is forcing humanity to appreciate the significance and follow the precepts laid by Bahá'u'lláh. The present and perhaps the near future is dark, but we have the wonderful promises of the Master before us and they shall become true ..." ( Lights of Guidance, p. 130)

"....When such a crisis sweeps over the world no person should hope to remain intact. We belong to an organic unit and when one part of the organism suffers all the rest of the body will feel its consequence. This is in fact the reason why Baha'u'llah calls our attention to the unity of mankind..... " Shoghi Effendi

Life lesson from Alexander the Great Greek King

Here is a very instructive incident involving the life of Alexander, the great Greek king.

Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his death bed. With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no consequence.

He now longed to reach home to see his mother’s face and bid her his last adieu. But, he had to accept the fact that his sinking health would not permit him to reach his distant homeland. So, the mighty conqueror lay prostrate and pale, helplessly waiting to breathe his last. He called his generals and said, “I will depart from this world soon, I have three wishes, please carry them out without fail.” With tears flowing down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their king’s last wishes.

“My first desire is that,” said Alexander, “My physicians alone must carry my coffin.” After a pause, he continued, “Secondly, I desire that when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury. “The king felt exhausted after saying this. He took a minute’s rest and continued. “My third and last wish is that both my hands be kept dangling out of my coffin.”The people who had gathered there wondered at the king’s strange wishes. But no one dare bring the question to their lips. Alexander’s favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. “O king, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?”

At this Alexander took a deep breath and said: “I would like the world to know of the three lessons I have just learnt. I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can really cure any body. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let not people take life for granted.

The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell People that not even a fraction of gold will come with me. I spent all my life earning riches but cannot take anything with me. Let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time to chase wealth.

And about my third wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin, I wish people to know that I came empty handed into this world and empty handed I go out of this world.” Alexander’s last words: “Bury my body, do not build any monument, keep my hands outside so that the world knows the person who won the world had nothing in his hands when dying“.